Korean author comes to Canada with $20 and a gold ring
In the midst of preparing my remarks from a recent interview, I was diligently stringing my words together when it suddenly occurred to me, I had been presented with a recently published book that contained more information than I could possibly include in this column.
From the distinct pleasure of meeting the author, my intent is to concentrate on a number of highlights relating to the days of her youth and leave you with the opportunity to avail yourself of her writings. In my opinion, this information should be made available to every school in the country for a younger generation to be apprised of.
Kim Jai Sook Martin commonly referred to by friends as Jai, was born in Seoul in 1935, during the Japanese occupation of Korea. Life was far from easy during this time and etiquette much different from customs we are familiar with. For example, when speaking with an elder, they were taught to lower their heads, to never look anyone in the eye. At an early age, Jai learned the price of independence when she refused to recognize the Japanese flag in favour of the Korean national flag. For this incident, she was refused entry to her first year of school.
Despite the fact of being of Korean origin, Jai leaned to speak Japanese fluently but regrettably, because of racial problems, was required to divorce herself from this entity, Arriving in Montreal in 1960, Jai was unable to speak a word of English. With a gold ring belonging to her father and a $20 bill to provide sustenance it is easy to imagine her plight. With assistance from Father Superior she enrolled in Pius IX Girls High School, which she attended three mornings a week where the sisters taught English.
Jai’s first employment was with a small branch of the Bank of Montreal as a teller, the result of Mother Superior’s assistance. This was accompanied by a part-time job as a housekeeper in addition to a night school course at Loyola College.
Later, when her English had improved, she enrolled in Marianopolis College, where she emerged with a Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in pedagogical study.
A desire to become a teacher had long been on Jai’s wish list, which from her determination eventually became a reality in accord with everything else she set her mind to. With husband Gerry by her side, two children and four grandchildren, today life is precisely where Jai wants it.
I would be remiss by not acknowledging this is one of the most competent people with whom I have had the pleasure to be associated. With a generous heart, a determined attitude and a strong faith in God, she is deserving of many accolades with tai chi being one of her favourite strengths.
As mentioned earlier, I could continue with this story, however, I feel it only fair that you the reader should have a choice of pursuing her informative journey for yourself.
Congratulations Jai on a life well spent and the host of accomplishments achieved that are too numerous to mention. Continuous success my good friend, it has been a privilege to know you.
The book Obligations and Aspirations: A Memoir of Growing Up in Korea and an Unexpected New Life in Canada, by Kim Jai Sook Martin is available at the library in Creemore and Shelburne and at Curiosity House Books. The book is available online.
